Adventure Mustang Himalaya Tour 2023

The trek passes through high peaks, passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys. The thousands of years of isolation have kept the culture, lifestyle, and heritage remain unchanged for centuries, and to this date. The houses in Mustang are mostly made from stone and sun-baked mud bricks. The city wall and the four-story palace in Lo-Manthang are some of the beautiful architectures of the Mustang region. Another attraction in the Mustang region is the Tiji Festival influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, which is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring). The Mustang people have their own way of family life, which is quite surprising for many outsiders. All the brothers in the family are married to a single girl, what you may call a practice of polyandry.

The Trans Himalayan Mustang Region is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, since the region was restricted to outsiders until Nepal Government announced the opening of the restricted areas in October 1991. The Mustangs or the people of Mustang call themselves Lobas, and they have their own King or Tribe-leader, Jigme Palbar Bista. After Nepal was declared a republic in 2007, the Nepal Government took back the official recognition of the Bista as the Mustangs King. However, the people there still respect him as their King or tribe leader. Bista also grants an audience the visitor upon request.  There is also strict control in obtaining a special permit from the Department of Immigration to protect their traditions from outside influence as well as to protect their environment. The Upper Mustang trek starts from Jomsom to Kagbeni, the entry point of the Upper Mustang Region. Follow the banks of Kaligandaki River upstream to get to Lo-Mangthang, the capital of the upper Mustang.

Our 17 days teahouse/lodge Upper Mustang trek is a great adventure trek for those who wish to make a challenging trek along “off the beaten path”  in the Trans-Himalayan Region.  If you are interested in making an even more adventurous trek in the remotest parts, we recommend you to try our Upper Dolpo & She Gompa Trek -28 days. For the trekkers longing to experience some of the most interesting features of the Annapurna region including  Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Poon Hill, etc, our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek-16 days itinerary would an interesting option.

Best Reason

April to November are favorable months to trek to Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is a rain Shadow area, thus, we can do trekking in this part of Nepal even in the monsoon season (mid-June-mid Sept), while during monsoon, trekking in popular trails of Everest and Annapurna is not recommended.

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu Airport 

Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Everest Pioneer Trek Nepal who will drop us off at our hotel 5 Star Yak & Yeti Central Kathmandu. After checking in, we take a rest and Evening Dinner at Traditional Live Music Nepal Kitchen. 

We may also stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Everest Pioneer Trek Nepal at The Nepali Restaurant Bar & Lounge. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the Nepalese food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:D

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. 

Some of these landmarks include the World Heritage Sites: the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.

 In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Everest Pioneer Trek Nepal Trekking briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us the opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure.

Included meals: BLD

Early morning at around 7 am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus.

 En route, we will see more of the countryside of Nepal that offers greenflies, rivers, villages, farms, and beautiful mountain Panoramic views. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, the five peaks of Annapurna, and others. Pokhara is a city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -enjoy boating too. Explore, relax, and dine by tranquil Lake Fewa. You can even do some shopping during the evening hours. Overnight in Pokhara Sangri la Village Resort best Hotel in Pokhara.

Included meals: BLD

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000 m such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you to Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. 

This is a large town, headquarters of the Mustang region; it is also a major village in the Kaligandaki area linking the age-old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reach Eckley-Bhatti village. After a good stop here an hour of the easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept village situated on the main age-old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via the Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributary, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki.

Included meals: BLD

Our journey starts with a special permit check-up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream. During the walk, we have a scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trail follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst whitewashed houses, and fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of a conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges and reach Chele village.

Included meals: BLD

Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen, Ghiling Village

Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) 

through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yaskawa Kang, and Damodar Danda. Further, descend a little to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descend steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen.  On the way, we relax along with the surrounding cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incense to invite deities and start any auspicious work.  We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave.

Included meals: BLD

Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghaymi

After breakfast, we trek uphill to the Yamada La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few teahouses, Chortens, and local villages which are like Tibetan-style houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. 

The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. the third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren.

Included meals: BLD

Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk.  After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers of Buddhism.  From the end of the wall, the trail heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, willow trees, and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu Canyon.  There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for tonight’s stop.

Included meals: BLD

Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Bhrikuti Peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further, the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at the hotel for the overnight stop.

Included meals: BLD

Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang

Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar.

 Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar,  the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang, and stroll back to the hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house” the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four-story building of Raja’s palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Included meals: BLD

Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs

Today, we get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day exploring the area, but it will be dusty wind in the afternoon, better to walk in the evening time.

Included meals: BLD

Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs

We re-track back to Ghiling for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at the teahouse.

Included meals: BLD

Our last day of the day would be a long one. 

 Better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni. Finishing the upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. Or, if you can spare one more day, our guide would take you to Muktinath as well.

Included meals: BLD

After morning breakfast we check at the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

 On arrival at Pokhara, the airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. The rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: B

After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers fly back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on to the left pane of the fly to enjoy the sceneries through the route.

 To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner at The Nepali Restaurant Bar & Lounge in Kathmandu where we can pick our meal from their carefully crafted menu that offers a wide range of choices. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals: BD

Day 17: Flight   Back Home from Kathmandu

You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you`ll be back on your trip somewhere in the Himalayas again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Everest Pioneer Trek Nepal will transfer you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Included meals B

What Is Included

·         All airport/hotel transfers

·         Three nights 5-star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Yak & Yeti ) and 2-night 5-star hotel  Shangri-la in Pokhara (Both on a B&B basis)

·         Welcome and farewell dinner

·         Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temples/monuments entrance fees.

·         All accommodations and meals during the trek

·         Transportation: Pokhara to Kathmandu.

·         An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging

·         All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP, Trekking permits)

·         A comprehensive medical kit

·         All government and local taxes.

What Is Not Included

·         Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash or Credit Cards and two passport photographs )

·         Excess baggage charges

·         Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary

·         Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara(and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)

·         International and domestic flights

·         Travel and rescue insurance

·         Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)

·         Tips for guides and porters

Needs in Trekking  Checklist 

 Down Sleeping bag, Down Jacket, T-shirts, woolen Sweater,  Trekking stick, water bottle, tissue paper, Half Paint, Tracksuit, Trekking Shoe, woolen Cap, Sun cap, sunglass, sun cream, lip balm, Energy chocolates, Camera, Dairy book, pen, Scarp, etc.

All including needs trekking time will be good.

Best tips. Before months need to morning walk 1 hour will be good for health in high altitude areas.